I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[CoP Luv]

I am not too worried about getting myself there and back but do want it to be the least stressful option for him! This trip is driving me crazy...almost 60 days out and still haven’t decided how we are doing it. I was just going to go, then a couple trip, then all 5 of us, and now as of last night just a couple trip. After a weekend of bad colds and homework my poor girls said they would rather stay at Grandma’s then go to WDW again already! The 4 hour plane ride each way and a lot more homework is not tempting them. I know DH will want to be supportive of seeing me but I also know he will get super stressed out if it is a hassle to get there. We will have a car but I know that is difficult too. I guess if we stayed at one of the Epcot resorts he could just walk outside and watch?

On girls scout cookies my person takes Venmo. At 3 times on CIP yes I will take a case of Tagalongs please!

They changed the 10K course for the W&D from 2017 to 2018 because of the construction of the new bus area in from of Hollywood Studios. You will have to see if it's the same when the course map is released, but for W&D, we didn't go anywhere near HS or the Epcot resort area. Instead, we ran from the MK parking lot, and up the ramp toward Epcot, doubled back and went into Epcot through a back entrance right by the ball. We then did about 2 miles around the entire WS to the end in the Epcot Parking Lot.

I didn't have anyone watching me, so if you have specific questions, I would recommend going over to the RunDisney thread to ask. They would know way more info than me!! Good luck! My sister is also running the 10k.

 

[AmyAnne]

This trip really has been an “aha moment”. I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big fan of EasyWDW. So I read all of his stuff and always figured that I knew enough to do it on the fly. We would go in with a plan for the first hour and the 3 FPs and I’d do the rest in my head. We obviously were still doing better than 99% of people that way...

But one thing I found myself constantly doing was thinking “what next”. This meant instead of enjoying Muppet3D or Small World, etc - I spent the ride/show/attraction figuring out what to do next. I wasn’t “in the moment”. So I figured: what if I could take all of my knowledge and just write a plan ahead of time so there’s no thinking needed while I’m there. My wife thought it sounded crazy - figuring out 3 months in advance what I wanted to do down to the minute...but it’s been AMAZING! The first 2 days of this trip were so good! We had a great time despite 55 degrees and constant rain today. (I did amend the plan last night to adjust for things I knew wouldn’t work with the forecast).

The other awesome thing about this is we’re doing significantly less walking! That probably makes my 5yr old super happy (we don’t do stroller anymore). I used to trek back and forth across the park to save 10-15 minutes in line...but the 5-10 min of walking it required each time was hardly worth it. Sorry...I’m now rambling but at any rate, I’m now a huge advocate of the written touring plan

We've never NOT used a written touring plan. I shudder to think how our park days would look without one. Glad y'all are having a great time despite the cooler and rainy weather!

I've come up with my own plans sometimes, and sometimes used touring plans to create a list (but since I personalize it I'm really doing the work anyway). Glad that your plans are working well for you. I'm the same way in terms of wanting to be "in the moment" and I can't do that if the day is not planned ahead. I have friends who can wing it and have a great time, but it just doesn't work for me (of course we will change it when needed, like when it pours or we are tired, etc.)

Glad you are having a great time! I always write out trip itineraries now after a stressful trip to Paris where I was up late every night fretting over which museum to visit the next day. For my family's trip last March I wrote miniature guidebook (with the help of EasyWDW!) with our customized itinerary - 16 pages long, with section titles: "Walt Disney World: Three Days of Magic", "Universal Studios: Two Days of Adventure", "Cheat Sheets", "Dining Reservations", and "Movies to Watch to Get Excited" (with multiple movie options selections for each park AND land within the parks).......I've also already got three pages for LA/Disneyland and four for our Uni trip in Sept.

Ahem. You could say I have a problem.

I find from going multiple times I can estimate how long a lot of things should take especially if I have already done them. I am the type of person that will look at old receipts from prior meals or timestamps of photos on my phone to see how long something previously took. I've also timed transportation and walking paths.

I color coordinate my spreadsheet based on the type of activity. ADRs and FP+ each have a color and are non-negotiable. Showtimes like nighttime spectaculars or stage shows get a different color and I add a buffer of when we should arrive based on the shows popularity. Standby attractions also get their own color and will be strategically placed throughout the FP+ to cut down on walking and waiting for windows to open/close (I also put the average attraction time for things like Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Spaceship Earth, etc) or how long it usually take to get through the whole line and ride like FoP. I will add things in to kill time, but can also be cut if its not a must do. Something like the gorilla trail in AK. If its not something we're primarily focused on that day, but we a lot of free time after the Safari we will do that. If we're cutting it close we skip it.

As for bathrooms, I try to be mindful of others needs. If I know we have plenty of time and are passing a nice one with minimal waits, I will suggest we use the restroom.

Any chance we could have a touring plans thread on dischurners? I would love to see everyone's plans.

For our last trip (Christmas week so super crowded), I had our mornings pretty well planned because of FPs but had to leave the afternoons up to chance -- I wasn't sure whether the better option would be standby or try for extra FPs.

 

[ctinct]

Back in 94 when the super cold hit here, my now ex-husband, had said around campus at UM they had signs that said DO NOT GO TO CLASS. They officially wouldn't cancel because when they did once upon a time, a law student sued the university for a refund of his classes that day, LOL.

Wish I had thought of that. I attended college as an adult, and my very first semester one of my professors was constantly canceling class with no not8ce. Apparently his son was a high powered executive somewhere who was always able to bring dad along on his last minute trips to Europe. Most of my classmates were of typical college age' and they would be thrilled when the prof didn’t show up. Me? I’d be ticked off because gosh darn it, I was paying good money to take that class, On top of that, it was an 8 a.m. class, which meant I was also paying for before school care for my daughter.

 

[Haley R]

Any chance we could have a touring plans thread on dischurners? I would love to see everyone's plans.

For our last trip (Christmas week so super crowded), I had our mornings pretty well planned because of FPs but had to leave the afternoons up to chance -- I wasn't sure whether the better option would be standby or try for extra FPs.

If I were going in a busy time, I would get FPS for the afternoon and rope drop in the morning. That way you can get on things before the crowds show up and save your FPS for when it’s busy.

We normally go during “off times” and get ours for 10,11,12 (or 1 if we have lunch planned)

 

[AmyAnne]

If I were going in a busy time, I would get FPS for the afternoon and rope drop in the morning. That way you can get on things before the crowds show up and save your FPS for when it’s busy.

We normally go during “off times” and get ours for 10,11,12 (or 1 if we have lunch planned)

I went back and forth about the best strategy. We did rope drop, and our first FPs were for an hour or so after park open. But even at RD, the lines were not walk-on. We did Navi at RD and it was 45 min. (rode once before our FoP FP) and did TSM at RD which was about 30 min. (rode twice before SDD FP). I was afraid that if we pushed our FPs out til the afternoon, we would spend the morning in lines and then not be able to get any additional FP in the afternoon because they would be all gone.

 

[MrPTato]

Man I can't live like this, lol. 3 FPs and an ADR and I'm good. DH will not do the world without hopping. We go wherever the spirit takes us.

Glad I am not alone!!

I find living in the moment to be more relaxing while there. If I am supposed to board Space Mountain at 9:08a and it delays and I don't get on until 9:16, that will interfere with my going on Buzz at 9:22. Am I going to enjoy Buzz knowing I am running behind and have to now make a change...nope! How am I supposed to pencil in a bathroom break? Sorry DD5, bathroom is not on the schedule until 11:10...its only 11:05 and we cannot stop and use the Mexico bathroom...we only use the one in Norway.

 

[amalone1013]

We normally go during “off times” and get ours for 10,11,12 (or 1 if we have lunch planned)

I like 10/11/12 and a 1pm lunch but I've found it decently easy to get extra FPs with just two.

 

[MrPTato]

Will he not park hop, or he's just not an adventurous eater?

Man, all this talk of Disney food makes me want to sit down and really pick out our ADRs for September haha

Maybe I should look at booking some for our March trip...

 

[amalone1013]

Ok, I need an eBags AMEX offer - STAT.

 

[NewbieMom]

Hi Everyone! I pop in and out of here, but just can't keep up. I can't believe you're almost at 150 pages. I think the last time I stopped in, the new thread just started. It looks great and I really appreciate everyone's open advice and knowledge sharing! Just want to also say, I used a DISer's link to apply for the Rose Gold on 1/4 (and was instantly approved) so hopefully someone gets a surprise referral bonus soon.

I do have a couple of questions:
1. Is it too soon to apply for SPG Personal in Feb? I have a little FOMO since I've never had a Marriott card and it's going away. I'm locked out of any chase cards (7/24). Originally (and still) plan on getting the SPG Lux later this year as I could really use the credit and 50k free night. So I'm not sure if getting the personal now would decrease my chances at the Lux?

2. Does anyone know if the Chase Freedom can be upgraded to the CSR? Since I'm locked out from applying, I don't mind not getting the bonus but hoping I could upgrade to use the higher redemption rate and travel credits.

TIA!

 

[elgerber]

Ha, I think these were mentioned recently. Look what I found in my closet.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Hi Everyone! I pop in and out of here, but just can't keep up. I can't believe you're almost at 150 pages. I think the last time I stopped in, the new thread just started. It looks great and I really appreciate everyone's open advice and knowledge sharing! Just want to also say, I used a DISer's link to apply for the Rose Gold on 1/4 (and was instantly approved) so hopefully someone gets a surprise referral bonus soon.

I do have a couple of questions:
1. Is it too soon to apply for SPG Personal in Feb? I have a little FOMO since I've never had a Marriott card and it's going away. I'm locked out of any chase cards (7/24). Originally (and still) plan on getting the SPG Lux later this year as I could really use the credit and 50k free night. So I'm not sure if getting the personal now would decrease my chances at the Lux?

2. Does anyone know if the Chase Freedom can be upgraded to the CSR? Since I'm locked out from applying, I don't mind not getting the bonus but hoping I could upgrade to use the higher redemption rate and travel credits.

TIA!

Hey there! We do like to comment a lot If it helps, we have a thread on DISchurners that tracks the major events on the thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/DISchurners/comments/aj6vx6/news_discussion_thread/

If you aren’t a member, PM @Lain or @Albort and they can help set you up in my absence.

 

[wendow]

I went back and forth about the best strategy. We did rope drop, and our first FPs were for an hour or so after park open. But even at RD, the lines were not walk-on. We did Navi at RD and it was 45 min. (rode once before our FoP FP) and did TSM at RD which was about 30 min. (rode twice before SDD FP). I was afraid that if we pushed our FPs out til the afternoon, we would spend the morning in lines and then not be able to get any additional FP in the afternoon because they would be all gone.

We always RD and plan our FP at 10/11/12. Then we are able to keep getting more FP. We've never had a problem finding more FP even as a family of 6. I frequently break ours up into groups of 2-3 if I cannot find 6. The lines are 'mostly' walk on for us right at RD but within 10 mins (basically after the first attraction), they are no longer walk on and we use a TP to get through that first 4-5 hours. We still use a TP later in the day but we follow it very loosely as the later part of the day is our time to go at our leisure.

 

[Albort]

Hi Everyone! I pop in and out of here, but just can't keep up. I can't believe you're almost at 150 pages. I think the last time I stopped in, the new thread just started. It looks great and I really appreciate everyone's open advice and knowledge sharing! Just want to also say, I used a DISer's link to apply for the Rose Gold on 1/4 (and was instantly approved) so hopefully someone gets a surprise referral bonus soon.

I do have a couple of questions:
1. Is it too soon to apply for SPG Personal in Feb? I have a little FOMO since I've never had a Marriott card and it's going away. I'm locked out of any chase cards (7/24). Originally (and still) plan on getting the SPG Lux later this year as I could really use the credit and 50k free night. So I'm not sure if getting the personal now would decrease my chances at the Lux?

2. Does anyone know if the Chase Freedom can be upgraded to the CSR? Since I'm locked out from applying, I don't mind not getting the bonus but hoping I could upgrade to use the higher redemption rate and travel credits.

TIA!

1) amex doesnt really have any restrictions on when u need to wait... u should be good to go for SPG personal, although u MAY get a popup saying your not eligible. If you do get one, just make sure u follow our guidance so u dont get the pop up ever! :] there might be a rule blocking you from future bonuses though, im not 100% sure about this one.

2) yes. u can upgrade from a CF --> CSR.

edit: looks your your good with SPG and SPG Lux --> https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/navigating-marriotts-byzantine-credit-card-rules/

thanks @Lain for posting this link.

 

[Andysol]

Well with 2 young kids we don’t wait for them to tell us they have to go. We have intentional times to try to avoid having that emergency in the middle of a 30 minute show.

Only 3 bus rides this trip so not much to worry about there...the rest is all walking or boats if they are there.

I intentionally have buffered the schedule slightly and we are using that additional time to enjoy ambience (or if we fall behind it gives us a chance to catch up). So far so good!

Such a dictator.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Such a dictator.

Woah - look who has an image by his name... nice look Andy!

 

[Lain]

Ok, I need an eBags AMEX offer - STAT.

One just ended a week and a half ago. Always wait to stack an eBags Amex Offers with a shopping portal at 15-20% cash back or x miles, and hopefully coincide with one of eBags’ frequent sales. eBags won’t combine gift cards anymore, but you can still buy a gift card for whatever the offer amount is to trigger a credit on P2’s Amex, then apply that gift card and put the balance on P1’s Amex, assuming the remaining amount is enough to trigger the offer on P1's card -- allowing you to use 2 Amex Offers. eBags also has a rewards program that earns credits on purchases, and occasionally sends $10 rewards to incentivize you to buy something.

 

[Missyson]

Just kidding, all I needed to do was post here. They just emailed me a $45 gift card.

Thanks for posting. I did the deal 4 days ago and haven't received anything yet. At least I know to wait a little longer.

 

[amalone1013]

One just ended a week and a half ago. Always wait to stack an eBags Amex Offers with a shopping portal at 15-20% cash back or x miles, and hopefully coincide with one of eBags’ frequent sales. eBags won’t combine gift cards anymore, but you can still buy a gift card for whatever the offer amount is to trigger a credit on P2’s Amex, then apply that gift card and put the balance on P1’s Amex, assuming the remaining amount is enough to trigger the offer on P1's card -- allowing you to use 2 Amex Offers. eBags also has a rewards program that earns credits on purchases, and occasionally sends $10 rewards to incentivize you to buy something.

Yeah... I went looking and saw it recently expired. Ah well, they seem to come quite often. I'll be keeping an eye out for a deal Maybe I'll get a $10 reward to go with the $16 I have currently haha.

 

[elgerber]

Back to the weather, our schools just closed for Tues and Wed due to cold. Nice long 5 day weekend for the kids LOL. They won't be as happy when they have to make them up later.